1 Corinthians 8:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—

NIV: For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'),

NASB: For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords,

CSB: For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth--as there are many "gods" and many "lords"--

NLT: There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords.

KJV: For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

NKJV: For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),

Paul is responding to the Corinthians' statements that the idols saturating their city have no real existence. God is the only true God. Paul agrees that there are many "so-called gods" in heaven and on earth, as well as many false "gods" and "lords." He has no disagreement with their premise that false gods and idols are powerless and lack substance (1 Corinthians 8:4).

The reference to "so-called gods" connects directly to the mention of "many gods" and "many lords." Paul agrees that there are many imaginary beings worshipped in pagan cities such as Corinth. A second-century Greek geographer, Pausanias, cataloged some of the gods and idols worshiped in Corinth. Among others, this list included Aphrodite, Artemis, Isis, Dionysus, Fortune, Zeus, Bunaea, Chronos, Poseidon, the Sun, the Sea, the Calm, and even a tree.

Though Paul agrees none of these have real existence, he will not conclude they are harmless. Paul described some believers in Galatia as having been enslaved to the gods who "are not gods" before coming to faith in Christ (Galatians 4:8). Later, he will show that any power or influence behind these fictional beings comes from demons, which definitely do exist (1 Corinthians 10:20–21).

First Corinthians 8:1–13 begins Paul's longer response to the question of attending functions in idol temples or eating food offered to idols. This appears to blend Paul's own statements with references to the Corinthians' own remarks. It seems the Corinthians had previously written to Paul saying they are not ''worshiping'' the idols. They know idols don't really exist and that only God is real. Paul replies that the problem here is not lack of knowledge but lack of love. Some brothers and sisters in Christ cannot eat idol food with clear consciences. Those who are stronger risk leading those who are weaker into sin and, in that way, sinning themselves.

Paul responds to Corinthian objections about restrictions on eating in idol temples, or eating food offered to idols. Those were activities deeply integrated into everyday Corinthian society. Paul agrees that idols are nothing and food is only food. The problem is that some Christians from idol-worshiping backgrounds cannot eat idol food with a clear conscience. To do so is sin, for them. If those with stronger consciences—those who understand the truth better—lead their weaker brothers into sin, they themselves will also be guilty of sinning against their brothers and against Christ.

First Corinthians 8 begins Paul's response to another issue raised by the Corinthians. Earlier passages dealt with sexuality; this section discusses idolatry and food. Paul agrees that idols don't truly exist and only God is real. The problem is that some of the less-developed Christians aren't convinced of that. For those believers, they violate their consciences by eating idol food. Even if it's misguided, violating one's conscience is a sin (Romans 14:23). If those with stronger consciences lead these weaker brothers and sisters into sin, they will be guilty of sin themselves. Paul continues to balance liberty with care for others over the next chapters.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.